Metta World Peace -- 'Absolutely' Thinking About Coaching Career

Coach Metta World Peace?? It's very possible.

The NBA star formally known as Ron Artest was leaving Mastro's Steakhouse in Bev Hills Monday night when he told us he's considering a coaching career after his playing days are over.

"I think I would be a zenful coach," Peace says ... "I was taught by the best."

Speaking of Phil Jackson, Metta also tells us the Zen Master will be a HUGE success with the Knicks ... and even makes a prediction about how many titles P.J. will bring to the Big Apple.